Birmingham Airport delays among worst in UK
Only Gatwick airport had worse average delay times for 2024
Birmingham Airport has been named among the UK's worst airports for delayed flights.
It's second behind Gatwick, which has retained its position as the UK's worst airport for flight delays, as it continues to suffer from air traffic control (ATC) disruption.
Departures from the West Sussex airport were an average of more than 23 minutes behind schedule in 2024, according to analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data by the PA news agency.
This represents an improvement from nearly 27 minutes during the previous 12 months but is longer than at any other UK airport.
Gatwick, which is the UK's second busiest airport, was badly affected by ATC staff shortages across continental Europe in 2024, and suffered the same problem in its own control tower.
Flights from Birmingham airport had the second poorest punctuality record last year, with an average delay of more than 21 minutes.
In third place was Manchester airport, with 20 minutes.
Flight delays are often caused by issues outside the control of airports
Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said many holidaymakers "save all year" for their trips, so flight disruption can cause an "emotional toll" as people feel "their time and investment aren't being respected".
She went on: "Passengers expect and deserve not to spend hours stuck in terminals with little information or support.
"Reliable service, clear communication and efficient operations should be the standard, not the exception, and airports must take this responsibility seriously.
"This summer is set to be exceptionally busy, therefore it is essential airports and airlines do all they can to ensure consumer confidence to travel remains high."
Belfast City (George Best) airport recorded the best punctuality performance in the UK for the second year in a row, with a typical delay per flight of less than 12 minutes.
The analysis took into account scheduled and chartered departures from the 22 commercial UK airports with at least 1,000 outbound flights last year.
Cancellations were not included.
The average delay for all these flights last year was 18 minutes and 24 seconds, down from 20 minutes and 42 seconds in 2023.
A spokesperson for Gatwick said: "Air traffic control restrictions in other parts of Europe have continued to impact the airport.
"Together with our airlines, we've put in place a robust plan ... to improve on-time performance further in 2025."
Birmingham airport has not provided a response.